when the time comes that

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "when the time comes that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a specific future time or event. For example, "I will start to look for a job when the time comes that I am ready to start my career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

When the time comes, that offer should be explored, since it may aid in preventing future attacks -- but only if Mr. Moussaoui is willing to be more forthcoming than he was yesterday.

The New York Times

And, when the time comes, that system can be trickled down to the 'iPhone 6C' or what have you.

TechCrunch

So when Watson faces off against ex-Jeopardy champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter (remember: the actual shows will air in mid-February; we'll remind you when the time comes), that's it—he knows what he knows.

TechCrunch

I told her that my relationship with the child will facilitate disclosure when the time comes, that's what impressed me".

Health and Place

"I think I'll recognize when the time comes that I can't any longer.

The New Yorker

When the time comes that I have to work, then I do the work.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

We prepared ourselves for an emotional explosion — not for physical violence, but for that of a bursting heart — and yet, when the time came, that is not what happened.

The New Yorker

"And, if he comes to get the ball from you, then you pass it off to the next guy". When the time came, that happened.

Los Angeles Times

Though not an ideal solution, I had hope that when the time came, that policy might allow our family might find a troop for our son that would welcome us all.

Huffington Post

As Friedman remarked, "when the time came that you had to change... there was an alternative ready there to be picked up".

The Guardian - Books

Mrs. DeLuca said: "Right now, I'm taking care of him, but if and when the time came that his time was up, I don't know what I'd do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the time comes that" to clearly indicate a future action contingent on a specific moment or situation. For example, "When the time comes that you need help, don't hesitate to ask."

Common error

While grammatically correct, the "that" after "when the time comes" can sometimes be omitted for a more concise sentence. Consider if "When the time comes, I'll be ready" works just as well.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the time comes that" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event will occur. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the time comes that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a future event or moment when something will occur. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English. While it can be replaced with more concise alternatives like "eventually" or "when that time arrives", the phrase itself is widely understood and accepted across various contexts. Its primary function is to set a specific temporal condition for an action or event, making it a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when that time arrives

Focuses on the arrival of a specific time, simplifying the structure.

when the moment is right

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the timing, using "moment" instead of "time".

when the day comes

Replaces "time" with "day", making it less formal.

at the appointed hour

More formal, suggesting a predetermined or scheduled time.

in due course

Implies that something will happen at the appropriate time in the future.

when the occasion arises

Highlights the occurrence of a specific event or situation.

in the fullness of time

Suggests that something will happen when the time is ripe or conditions are favorable.

at the future juncture

A more formal and less common way of indicating a point in the future.

eventually

Simplifies the phrase to a single adverb indicating a future occurrence.

sooner or later

Implies that something will happen at some point in the future, without specifying when.

FAQs

How can I use "when the time comes that" in a sentence?

Use "when the time comes that" to indicate a future event or situation where a specific action will be taken. For instance, "When the time comes that I retire, I plan to travel extensively".

What are some alternatives to "when the time comes that"?

You can use phrases like "when that time arrives", "when the moment is right", or simply "eventually" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "that" after "when the time comes"?

No, the "that" is often optional and can be omitted for brevity without changing the meaning. Using "when the time comes" is perfectly acceptable and often preferred.

What is the difference between "when the time comes that" and "if the time comes"?

"When the time comes that" implies a higher degree of certainty that the event will occur, whereas "if the time comes" suggests the event is less certain. Therefore "when the time comes that" and "if the time comes" should not be used interchangeably in every context.